My name is Nikka Gribanovsky. I am going to be a sophomore at Carlmont High School, which is about thirty minutes south of San Francisco, California. Growing up in the Silicon Valley, one of the most technologically innovative places in the world, I had the amazing opportunity to witness how much of an impact technology can truly have, how much it can do and the quantity we are quickly discovering we can accomplish with these new resources. We have such a large number of scientists and technicians working on genetic engineering, robotic limbs and just the overall process of improving life and making life easier for our surrounding society through fresh and completely foreign new concepts. These advancements are so new that it becomes such a completely original and unknown world and that fascinates me. Also, the ability to better your community is such a beautiful gift and that aspect of this field also really brings my attention. I love learning and gaining any new knowledge always puts a smile on my face. My passions for biology and assisting others really grew this summer while I spent the last two weeks shadowing doctors in Michigan. It was such a life-changing experience! Not only did I get to watch surgeries and be taught one-on-one by some of the most intelligent people and mentors I have ever met, but I also got to experience what life was like in some of the more rural and less economically fortunate parts of America. That part really hit me. There were so many people who claimed they had kids because there wasn't anything else there to do. And that was when I truly realized how much education matters and how much of a gift being able to do programs like BLI is. That is why I am extremely excited to be here and spend three amazing weeks learning with other teens who are all share my passions.
Outside of school, my passions include dance, a program called BBYO, playing instruments (I am able to play saxophone and piano and I am learning to play guitar), volunteering for a Russian non-profit children's theater, watching Grey's anatomy, listening to music, eating chocolate, drinking tea and spending time with friends.
As far as dance goes, I've done a little bit of everything (specifically, I've done ballet, contemporary, folk, ballroom, jazz, hip hop, tap), but I have mostly focused on ballroom and folk, although, contemporary is my favorite style. I love the sport because it is a form of self expression, a much-needed stress reliever, great exercise and honestly it just makes you feel extremely beautiful, powerful and confident. And I am really excited to start on our school's team in August. It has been such a huge part of my life for the last ten years, but for the last three I've had major setbacks due to knee problems. I ended up seeing many doctors and specialists and not a single person seemed to know what was going on. It got to the point where the doctor said we were going to try the "guess and check" method until something worked. I was so desperate at that point that I agreed. I had surgery two months ago, and am currently doing physical therapy and quickly recovering. But there were a few lessons I learned from this long struggle. One of the main ones was that your body is fragile. You can only push yourself so hard until you break. A lot of people believe it is important to push through, but in reality, even machines need time to refuel. Another was that not every doctor will be right for every patient and sometimes, even after more than ten years of post-high-school education, a doctor may still not know the answer. The frustration I felt then, now only motivates me to learn as much as I possibly can and later help as many people as possible because there is not a single person who should have to go through pain or suffering if there is even some chance that there's a way to stop it.
One of my favorite extra curricular activities I do is BBYO, a Jewish youth organization. Being a part of such a minority in the general population, it is so amazing to be able to go somewhere where most of the teens share the same beliefs and general core principals as you. It is also an almost completely teen lead organization which gives kids the business experience needed to be able to lead and hold general positions of power later on in life. I have also met so many of my closest friends through this wonderful program that truly values acceptance and sisterhood. In addition, we do a large amount of community service and try to constantly better the world through the teaching of tikkun olam.
I am so excited to keep learning and having new impactful experiences, like BLI. But we all make mistakes. So to finish off, here is my favorite quote of all time: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" -Thomas Edison
Endometriosis is a severe issue throughout America. However, since it is a “women’s issue” society has formed a stigma around addressing it and many other diseases like it. Also, the United States has formed an environment where sex, reproduction and anything that correlates with the reproductive structures should not be talked about in regular society. Even though, it is a natural process and half of the population is female, these issues are still frowned upon and therefore rarely addressed and raised awareness for. For example, endometriosis affects ~176 women worldwide, including America in which 15% of women and girls with their periods struggle with this disease. But it is most prevalent in women of ages 30-40. Even with this being such a widespread issue, only ~20% of the population is aware of this disease. The disease is defined by tissue of the womb or endometrium being found outside of those correlating areas, resulting in excessive/unnecessary tissue in other locations. This condition leads to heavy menstrual cramps, chronic lower back or pelvic pains, longer periods (greater than seven days), bowel or urinary problems, nausea, vomiting, inflammation, fatigue, spotting or bleeding at inappropriate parts of the month and painful sex. On a greater scale it can lead to infertility, ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, depression, scarring of the ovaries and fallopian tubes and can cause preterm labor in pregnant women. The heavy menstrual cramps can also lead to anemia. Heavy menstrual cramps are an issue on their own that are often overlooked. In fact, 92% of women with heavy menstrual cramps said that it caused them discomfort and frustration and 68% said that it took over their lives and influenced their daily activities while menstruating, including 18% who said they had to miss work as a result of it. With so many women suffering from this issue, it is very odd that it is given so little attention. Therefore, addressing how to make a treatment for this terrible disease that is less harmful to the patient and with less possible risks would be significantly beneficial. I want to create bacteria that would be able to sense endometrial cells found outside of the uterus and destruct them without causing excess damage. However, it significantly difficult to address a cure when there isn’t a distinct cause for the disease. Some of the possible causes of the issue include retrograde menstruation, embryonic cell growth, fetal development, surgical scar, endometrial cell transport, genetics, faulty immune system or overproduction of the hormone estrogen. A recent study also claimed that cytokines that cause inflammation could possibly be a triggering cause to the symptoms of the disease, but is not directly correlated with the underlying cause.
Competing technologies
Sadly, currently there are no solid cures for this disease. Usually, less invasive options are first taken to maintain the symptoms. These include over the counter medications (such as Advil), hormone control (through birth control, IUD, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) or Danazol). However, if none of these solutions work, a partial to full hysterectomy may be necessary. This drastic surgery results in terrible pain and the inability to get pregnant in the future.
However, there are some organizations that are realizing how great of an issue this is and are conducting research to make a safer and less consequential treatment. For example, Prof. Katzenellenbogen and his colleagues from MIT tested certain drugs on mice and realized that they stopped the growth of new neurons and the blood vessel support, therefore stopping or at least reducing the growth of endometrial tissue within unnecessary locations. In addition, these drugs also decreased inflammation within these areas. Plus, the mice became overall healthier, including an increase in fertility. According to Katzenellenbogen, they accomplished this by realizing "Inflammation is a driver of endometriosis. At some point, you've got to turn it off, and these compounds turn it off by working through the estrogen receptors."
However, there are not many studies being done on how to address the issue because doing these experiments on primates has been restricted and mice don’t naturally menstruate. Therefore, tissue must be attached to the specific organs and then the representation may not be ideal and accurately represent the natural occurrence.
In a separate study, several scientists looked into the effects of cytokines. Beforehand, they understood that cytokines cause inflammation if pathogens aren’t present, which is exactly what happens in endometriosis, so they took endometriosis patients and calculated the concentration of 50 different cytokines within the peritoneal fluid. They found a macrophage which they believe triggers these cytokines. However, they are unaware on how to directly link this to the cause of endometriosis. In this study the scientists also realized that the menstrual blood of the endometriosis patients was significantly more contaminated with E. Coli than that of the regular women. They believe this could be a side effect of endometriosis, but are also considering the concept that it is the initiating cause.
The design
This design, although currently unrealistic, could have much potential in the future. For this idea to work, the bacteria would need to be native to uterus, have the function of reducing endometrial growth, be able to sense where it is (in uterus or not) because it needs to be able to destroy the cells where it shouldn’t be, be able to sense if the surrounding cells are endometrial cells or not (so that it doesn't destruct all cells), be able to communicate between its species, be able to sense how thick lining is (how much endometrium presence there is), and be able to self destruct after it stops being a problem and so the bacteria doesn’t spread throughout the entire body.
So first the receptors, (which tell the bacteria where it is located, what types of cells surround it, and senses if the surrounding cells are endometrial cells or not), trigger the biochemical cascade which triggers the promoter which turns on the gene that forces the cell to produce cytokines which target and destroy the endometrial cells. The quorum sensing receptors trigger a promoter that allows for transcription to start and turn on the gene LYS. This then produces lysozyme, which causes the bacterial cell to self destruct. This is done when there are no surrounding endometrial cells that are not in the uterus.
Picture1.png
The bacteria would need to be able to communicate through quorum sensing. This communication would allow the bacteria to sense the quantity of endometrial lining there is by sensing how much bacteria is surrounding it.
Image result for bacterial quorum sensing
Expected results
If Located Outside of the Uterus
If Endometrial Cell
Endometrial Cell Would Die
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
So basically the general outline is that if the bacteria senses that it is surrounded by cells located outside of the uterus and that those cells are endometrial cells, the bacteria will cause the cells to die. However, if one of the primary factors are not met, then the bacteria will not attack the cells.
Advantages
In comparison to the current methods being used, this will not cause the patient pain (like the hysterectomy would and would be significantly more effective than some of the other approaches (for example the over the counter medication). It is a far less risky and invasive approach, but if it works perfectly, the results may be better. This also means that there are less possible side effects compared to the intense pain of surgery. This method is also more effective for reducing all the unnecessary cells.
Potential problems
However, there are many possible complications with this issue. Most of these correspond to the process just not working. For example, the cells not being able to sense where they are, or not being able to sense how thick the lining there is or not being able to sense if they are surrounded by endometrial cells or not. But there is also the issue of getting the bacteria into the designated location. In addition, cytokines cause inflammation which is already a byproduct of endometriosis, so the intense swelling would be harmful to the patient. As a result, the patient would need future anti-inflammatory treatment.
Testing
Since the technology for testing is so far off, the main current issue is educating on the disease and changing the social stigma surrounding it. But eventually, maybe we could change this dream into a reality.
Outside of school, my passions include dance, a program called BBYO, playing instruments (I am able to play saxophone and piano and I am learning to play guitar), volunteering for a Russian non-profit children's theater, watching Grey's anatomy, listening to music, eating chocolate, drinking tea and spending time with friends.
As far as dance goes, I've done a little bit of everything (specifically, I've done ballet, contemporary, folk, ballroom, jazz, hip hop, tap), but I have mostly focused on ballroom and folk, although, contemporary is my favorite style. I love the sport because it is a form of self expression, a much-needed stress reliever, great exercise and honestly it just makes you feel extremely beautiful, powerful and confident. And I am really excited to start on our school's team in August. It has been such a huge part of my life for the last ten years, but for the last three I've had major setbacks due to knee problems. I ended up seeing many doctors and specialists and not a single person seemed to know what was going on. It got to the point where the doctor said we were going to try the "guess and check" method until something worked. I was so desperate at that point that I agreed. I had surgery two months ago, and am currently doing physical therapy and quickly recovering. But there were a few lessons I learned from this long struggle. One of the main ones was that your body is fragile. You can only push yourself so hard until you break. A lot of people believe it is important to push through, but in reality, even machines need time to refuel. Another was that not every doctor will be right for every patient and sometimes, even after more than ten years of post-high-school education, a doctor may still not know the answer. The frustration I felt then, now only motivates me to learn as much as I possibly can and later help as many people as possible because there is not a single person who should have to go through pain or suffering if there is even some chance that there's a way to stop it.
One of my favorite extra curricular activities I do is BBYO, a Jewish youth organization. Being a part of such a minority in the general population, it is so amazing to be able to go somewhere where most of the teens share the same beliefs and general core principals as you. It is also an almost completely teen lead organization which gives kids the business experience needed to be able to lead and hold general positions of power later on in life. I have also met so many of my closest friends through this wonderful program that truly values acceptance and sisterhood. In addition, we do a large amount of community service and try to constantly better the world through the teaching of tikkun olam.
I am so excited to keep learning and having new impactful experiences, like BLI. But we all make mistakes. So to finish off, here is my favorite quote of all time: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" -Thomas Edison
Endometriosis
Purpose
Endometriosis is a severe issue throughout America. However, since it is a “women’s issue” society has formed a stigma around addressing it and many other diseases like it. Also, the United States has formed an environment where sex, reproduction and anything that correlates with the reproductive structures should not be talked about in regular society. Even though, it is a natural process and half of the population is female, these issues are still frowned upon and therefore rarely addressed and raised awareness for. For example, endometriosis affects ~176 women worldwide, including America in which 15% of women and girls with their periods struggle with this disease. But it is most prevalent in women of ages 30-40. Even with this being such a widespread issue, only ~20% of the population is aware of this disease. The disease is defined by tissue of the womb or endometrium being found outside of those correlating areas, resulting in excessive/unnecessary tissue in other locations. This condition leads to heavy menstrual cramps, chronic lower back or pelvic pains, longer periods (greater than seven days), bowel or urinary problems, nausea, vomiting, inflammation, fatigue, spotting or bleeding at inappropriate parts of the month and painful sex. On a greater scale it can lead to infertility, ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, depression, scarring of the ovaries and fallopian tubes and can cause preterm labor in pregnant women. The heavy menstrual cramps can also lead to anemia. Heavy menstrual cramps are an issue on their own that are often overlooked. In fact, 92% of women with heavy menstrual cramps said that it caused them discomfort and frustration and 68% said that it took over their lives and influenced their daily activities while menstruating, including 18% who said they had to miss work as a result of it. With so many women suffering from this issue, it is very odd that it is given so little attention. Therefore, addressing how to make a treatment for this terrible disease that is less harmful to the patient and with less possible risks would be significantly beneficial. I want to create bacteria that would be able to sense endometrial cells found outside of the uterus and destruct them without causing excess damage. However, it significantly difficult to address a cure when there isn’t a distinct cause for the disease. Some of the possible causes of the issue include retrograde menstruation, embryonic cell growth, fetal development, surgical scar, endometrial cell transport, genetics, faulty immune system or overproduction of the hormone estrogen. A recent study also claimed that cytokines that cause inflammation could possibly be a triggering cause to the symptoms of the disease, but is not directly correlated with the underlying cause.Competing technologies
Sadly, currently there are no solid cures for this disease. Usually, less invasive options are first taken to maintain the symptoms. These include over the counter medications (such as Advil), hormone control (through birth control, IUD, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) or Danazol). However, if none of these solutions work, a partial to full hysterectomy may be necessary. This drastic surgery results in terrible pain and the inability to get pregnant in the future.However, there are some organizations that are realizing how great of an issue this is and are conducting research to make a safer and less consequential treatment. For example, Prof. Katzenellenbogen and his colleagues from MIT tested certain drugs on mice and realized that they stopped the growth of new neurons and the blood vessel support, therefore stopping or at least reducing the growth of endometrial tissue within unnecessary locations. In addition, these drugs also decreased inflammation within these areas. Plus, the mice became overall healthier, including an increase in fertility. According to Katzenellenbogen, they accomplished this by realizing "Inflammation is a driver of endometriosis. At some point, you've got to turn it off, and these compounds turn it off by working through the estrogen receptors."
However, there are not many studies being done on how to address the issue because doing these experiments on primates has been restricted and mice don’t naturally menstruate. Therefore, tissue must be attached to the specific organs and then the representation may not be ideal and accurately represent the natural occurrence.
In a separate study, several scientists looked into the effects of cytokines. Beforehand, they understood that cytokines cause inflammation if pathogens aren’t present, which is exactly what happens in endometriosis, so they took endometriosis patients and calculated the concentration of 50 different cytokines within the peritoneal fluid. They found a macrophage which they believe triggers these cytokines. However, they are unaware on how to directly link this to the cause of endometriosis. In this study the scientists also realized that the menstrual blood of the endometriosis patients was significantly more contaminated with E. Coli than that of the regular women. They believe this could be a side effect of endometriosis, but are also considering the concept that it is the initiating cause.
The design
This design, although currently unrealistic, could have much potential in the future. For this idea to work, the bacteria would need to be native to uterus, have the function of reducing endometrial growth, be able to sense where it is (in uterus or not) because it needs to be able to destroy the cells where it shouldn’t be, be able to sense if the surrounding cells are endometrial cells or not (so that it doesn't destruct all cells), be able to communicate between its species, be able to sense how thick lining is (how much endometrium presence there is), and be able to self destruct after it stops being a problem and so the bacteria doesn’t spread throughout the entire body.So first the receptors, (which tell the bacteria where it is located, what types of cells surround it, and senses if the surrounding cells are endometrial cells or not), trigger the biochemical cascade which triggers the promoter which turns on the gene that forces the cell to produce cytokines which target and destroy the endometrial cells. The quorum sensing receptors trigger a promoter that allows for transcription to start and turn on the gene LYS. This then produces lysozyme, which causes the bacterial cell to self destruct. This is done when there are no surrounding endometrial cells that are not in the uterus.
Expected results
So basically the general outline is that if the bacteria senses that it is surrounded by cells located outside of the uterus and that those cells are endometrial cells, the bacteria will cause the cells to die. However, if one of the primary factors are not met, then the bacteria will not attack the cells.
Advantages
In comparison to the current methods being used, this will not cause the patient pain (like the hysterectomy would and would be significantly more effective than some of the other approaches (for example the over the counter medication). It is a far less risky and invasive approach, but if it works perfectly, the results may be better. This also means that there are less possible side effects compared to the intense pain of surgery. This method is also more effective for reducing all the unnecessary cells.Potential problems
However, there are many possible complications with this issue. Most of these correspond to the process just not working. For example, the cells not being able to sense where they are, or not being able to sense how thick the lining there is or not being able to sense if they are surrounded by endometrial cells or not. But there is also the issue of getting the bacteria into the designated location. In addition, cytokines cause inflammation which is already a byproduct of endometriosis, so the intense swelling would be harmful to the patient. As a result, the patient would need future anti-inflammatory treatment.Testing
Since the technology for testing is so far off, the main current issue is educating on the disease and changing the social stigma surrounding it. But eventually, maybe we could change this dream into a reality.Bibliography
Websites:
__http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149109.php____http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288356.php__
__http://web.mit.edu/cgr/research.html__
__http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/775401__
__https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipopolysaccharide#Functions_in_bacteria__
__https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostaglandin_E2__
__https://askabiologist.asu.edu/receptors-and-cell-surface-markers__
Images:
__http://molbio.princeton.edu/labs/bassler/research__